Governor Henry P. Baldwin
(1869-1873)

c. 1900
Lewis T. Ives
Oil on Canvas

This bust of Governor Henry P. Baldwin, painted by Lewis T. Ives, is a fine example of late 19th century formal portraiture. Baldwin is positioned at an angle, so that he does not look at the viewer but instead gazes at an unidentified point in the distance. He is painted in a naturalistic fashion, with wrinkles and gray hairs showing signs of age and, perhaps, the wisdom that comes with it. Baldwin wears a high collar with a bow tie and a classic black suit. The background has been painted a neutral gray, to avoid distracting the viewer from the sitter’s face. The skill with which Ives paints the governor’s skin tone gives Baldwin a healthy glow, and the lines around his eyes and mouth provide him with some personality, despite his serious expression.